Sports package or not?
09-19-2004, 10:20 AM
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My Ride: MY2007 530iA (Week 3 Production, Jan 2007). Silver Grey, Black Leather/Dark Poplar Wood. Packages: Sport (w/comfort seats), Premium, Premium Sound/Logic 7, Pro-Navigation, Cold Weather. Individual Options: PDC, HUD, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, Fold-down rear seat, Rear Airbags, Rear Electric Sunshade(s).
Previous:
2005 530iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded, but no SP)
2000 528iA, Silver Grey/Blk Leather (loaded)
1994 318iA, Red/Blk Leather
1992 325ic, Red/Blk Leather
1987 320i
1972 2002i
Hello All, I am a new forum member and a U.S. military officer stationed in Europe. The wife and I are in the process of purchasing a 2005 530i (possibly w/o the Sports Package...and will place our order this week). This will be the 4th BMW we have owned over the past 18-yrs - previously owned a 2000 528i with the Sports package.
For 2005 models, the active steering is offered as a separate $1250 option. I have test driven the 5 w/ and w/o active steering and I understand it's technical features. I enjoyed the ease of it, but also felt somewhat disconnected from the road (i.e., loose feel). I understand that I will probably get used to it after time (i.e., based on reading other owners comments). Also, the 5-without the Sports package also provided a pleasant "traditional" BMW 5-series drive. Unfortunately, I can't order the Dynamic Drive (i.e. ARS) as a separate option at this time w/o the Sports Package.
However, with that said, my biggest concern are the limited critical reviews I have read regarding problems with it at high speeds, in cross-winds, and on unfinished highway roads (+ bridge joints, etc.). The bottom line is that for all the convenience and ease in the world, the last thing I want to give up is driving pleasure + safety (i.e., the feel of being connected with the road and/or experiencing cognitive dissonance at 90 mph while crossing an old bridge in December with winds gusting over 15-20mph). I need honest and unbiased feedback (regarding handling, steering, cornering, etc.) from owners that both have the sports package and just as important, don't have it. Thanks.
"Serving Proudly".
For 2005 models, the active steering is offered as a separate $1250 option. I have test driven the 5 w/ and w/o active steering and I understand it's technical features. I enjoyed the ease of it, but also felt somewhat disconnected from the road (i.e., loose feel). I understand that I will probably get used to it after time (i.e., based on reading other owners comments). Also, the 5-without the Sports package also provided a pleasant "traditional" BMW 5-series drive. Unfortunately, I can't order the Dynamic Drive (i.e. ARS) as a separate option at this time w/o the Sports Package.
However, with that said, my biggest concern are the limited critical reviews I have read regarding problems with it at high speeds, in cross-winds, and on unfinished highway roads (+ bridge joints, etc.). The bottom line is that for all the convenience and ease in the world, the last thing I want to give up is driving pleasure + safety (i.e., the feel of being connected with the road and/or experiencing cognitive dissonance at 90 mph while crossing an old bridge in December with winds gusting over 15-20mph). I need honest and unbiased feedback (regarding handling, steering, cornering, etc.) from owners that both have the sports package and just as important, don't have it. Thanks.
"Serving Proudly".
09-19-2004, 10:24 AM
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My Ride: F02 LCI Individual
Model Year: 2013
Welcome aboard 
!
I have no problems at all when driving in wind.
The only problem I once had was rain...
It proed down and with my 275 rear tires the car was not very comfortable to drive... But others had problems too, and they had smaller wheels...
!I have no problems at all when driving in wind.
The only problem I once had was rain...
It proed down and with my 275 rear tires the car was not very comfortable to drive... But others had problems too, and they had smaller wheels...
09-19-2004, 10:25 AM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
This is my fourth BMW (3rd 5-series) and all I can say is I don't feel disconnected at all with AS.
Sure, it's different. Maybe initially that might feel like you're disconnected but all I can say is after over 6000 miles, it's other cars that feel disconnected now!
Sure, it's different. Maybe initially that might feel like you're disconnected but all I can say is after over 6000 miles, it's other cars that feel disconnected now!
09-19-2004, 10:43 AM
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I opted not to have AS, for many of the same reasons as you.
I made the correct choice for myself , it's not like the BMW rack-n-pinion steering is anything to sneeze at, didn't like the run flats either as part of the SP.
DR.Z
I made the correct choice for myself , it's not like the BMW rack-n-pinion steering is anything to sneeze at, didn't like the run flats either as part of the SP.
DR.Z
09-19-2004, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Rudy' date='Sep 19 2004, 01:25 PM
This is my fourth BMW (3rd 5-series) and all I can say is I don't feel disconnected at all with AS.
09-19-2004, 10:44 AM
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The 5 with the Sport
Great Handling and the Active Steering is responsive and functional .....
530 w/o sport
That is what I got and why
Road Noise.....18's will always have more road noise...stiffer ride..(which is better for handling - but it is a personal option) Active Steering - could not trust my wife with it - too responsive......but I loved it...
If the car was for me ...I woulld get the Sport
but as this is the family car - we opted not to go with it (price was not a factor)
We did test drove both and have owned a 04 525i w/o it....
The ride quality and Quiteness is better w/o
The Handling is better with the sport.............
so if you want comfort - go w/o it
if you want handling and responsiveness it - go with it
Great Handling and the Active Steering is responsive and functional .....
530 w/o sport
That is what I got and why
Road Noise.....18's will always have more road noise...stiffer ride..(which is better for handling - but it is a personal option) Active Steering - could not trust my wife with it - too responsive......but I loved it...
If the car was for me ...I woulld get the Sport
but as this is the family car - we opted not to go with it (price was not a factor)
We did test drove both and have owned a 04 525i w/o it....
The ride quality and Quiteness is better w/o
The Handling is better with the sport.............
so if you want comfort - go w/o it
if you want handling and responsiveness it - go with it
09-19-2004, 10:54 AM
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Welcome US military guy in Europe. Dame here but not an officer. Go with AS. It feels great and once you drive with it you never want to go away from it. Nothing is better than turning wheel 90 degrees instead of completely around to make a turn.
09-19-2004, 11:03 AM
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My Ride: F02 LCI Individual
Model Year: 2013
Originally Posted by mahoneyl' date='Sep 19 2004, 08:20 PM
Hello All, I am a new forum member and a U.S. military officer stationed in Europe.
"Serving Proudly".
"Serving Proudly".
We have an e60 meet near Frankfurt...
Check this thread!